#Nike Alphafly 3 “Eliud Kipchoge”

[freshthoughts2020]

[squaringthacircle]

[sneakerscartel]

Nike Alphafly 3 “Eliud Kipchoge” Releases October 2024

[fullreggaetord]

Nike Alphafly 3 “Eliud Kipchoge” se lanzará en octubre de 2024

La leyenda del maratón Eliud Kipchoge vuelve a conquistar el mundo del running tras superar la barrera de las dos horas. Esta vez, hizo precisamente eso con una versión personalizada del Nike Alphafly 3. Esta zapatilla de running de última generación está diseñada para mejorar el rendimiento y es la más popular entre los corredores de élite. La combinación de colores exclusiva de Kipchoge agrega…

[kicksaddictny]

Nike Air: The Athlete’s Edge from Track to Court to Pitch

No one understands athletes like Nike. Through new research, advanced capabilities, and a bold innovation agenda, the company has evolved its Alphafly line to the Alphafly 3, designed to serve marathoners of all levels. Nike is now optimizing its proprietary Air technology, a key component of its super shoes, to deliver outstanding performance results to athletes on the track, court, and pitch.

Nike has harnessed its computational power and extensive athlete data from the Nike Sport Research Lab to create footwear that helps athletes realize their dreams. This science-backed, sport-specific research and innovation have led to the introduction of updated spikes for track athletes, the Nike Victory 2 and Nike Maxfly 2; a new basketball shoe, the Nike G.T. Hustle 3; and its most premium football boot to date, the 2024 Nike Air Zoom Mercurial.

The Nike Alphafly 3 launched in January 2024, with new colorways available on nike.com and select retailers. The new Nike Victory 2 and Nike Maxfly 2 are available now in limited quantities on nike.com. The G.T. Hustle 3 and 2024 Air Zoom Mercurial will be available at nike.com and select retailers in July.

In the five years since Nike, Eliud Kipchoge, and the revolutionary Alphafly broke the two-hour marathon barrier, the company has been hard at work. New research, advanced capabilities, and a bold innovation agenda have led the brand to evolve its Alphafly line to the Alphafly 3, serving all marathoners at all levels. Now, Nike is optimizing its proprietary Air technology, a key component in its super shoe "system of speed," to bring super-charged results to athletes on the track, court, and pitch.

Evolution of an Icon

“When the Alphafly hit, it shocked everyone with the introduction of Air Zoom,” says Tony Bignell, Vice President of Running Footwear. “It was polarizing, but with expert research from the Nike Sport Research Lab and validation from Eliud Kipchoge, the world’s greatest marathoner, we proved it was efficient, responsive, and provided unparalleled energy return — the best in the industry. This system of speed — our ZoomX foam, carbon plate, and Air Zoom units — remains Nike’s competitive advantage.”

Since Eliud Kipchoge and the legendary Nike Alphafly prototype crossed the marathon finish line in 1:59:40, the Alphafly 3 has evolved to become the lightest model yet, more precisely tuned. The Alphafly 3 features a continuous bottom connecting the heel and forefoot, ensuring smooth transitions regardless of pace. The shoe’s featherweight form results from extensive testing and feedback from a diverse group of marathoners, including insights from Eliud Kipchoge. Nike designers optimized the shoe’s midsole and heel to concentrate the load on the forefoot Air Zoom units, enhancing activation for all runners.

Throughout the Alphafly’s evolution, one technology has remained constant: Air Zoom. “We’ve fine-tuned the other elements of the shoe to better engage the two Air units in the forefoot, allowing Air to do more of the work for you,” says Bignell. This approach has paid off. In the 2023 Chicago Marathon, running in the Alphafly 3 prototype, Nike athlete Sifan Hassan clocked the second-fastest women’s marathon ever, and the late Nike athlete Kelvin Kiptum set the new men’s marathon world record.

Bringing the Air Advantage to the Track

Nike has adapted its system of speed, powered by Air, to help its iconic roster of track athletes break records in events ranging from sprints to distance races. Air Zoom units first appeared in Nike track spikes in 2020, bringing game-changing cushioning innovation to athletes. For Paris 2024, the Nike Maxfly 2 — designed for sprinters racing 100m to 400m — and the Nike Victory 2 — for athletes racing 800m to 1500m — feature a flatter ground-facing profile for a more stable ride and more ground contact, while still delivering the energy return that only Nike Air can provide. The pronounced diagonal lines act as a support base, stabilizing both the Maxfly 2 and Victory 2, enabling athletes to maximize their foot strike force and stability on track curves.

“Nike Air technology isn’t just changing how fast athletes can run — it’s changing the sport of track and field,” says Dr. Emily Farina, principal researcher in the NSRL. “The introduction of Air Zoom in the Maxfly and Victory inspired some athletes to try distances they previously would not have considered.”

The effectiveness of Air technology is evident in last year’s stats: In 2023, track and field and marathon athletes set nine new world records, with Nike athletes accounting for eight of them, in distances ranging from the 1500 meters to the marathon. At the 2023 World Outdoor Track & Field Championships, 50% of the medals went to Nike athletes.

Nike applies its proprietary technology with precision and creativity. “There is so much you can do with Air — it can be the most protective cushioning system and also the most responsive,” says Leo Chang, Senior Director of Running Footwear Product Design Innovation. “We have various Air unit shapes and inflations because those shapes and sizes matter, whether you’re a person with a lower body mass who needs more engagement from Air or you’re in a sport or event with specific needs.”

Bringing the Air Advantage to the Court

Nike researchers know that basketball players want maximum energy return from tip-off to buzzer. With that in mind, they created the new G.T. Hustle 3. The shoe’s development focused on increasing energy return, achieving the right weight, and enhancing overall comfort. “Nike can definitively say the G.T. Hustle 3 saves you energy,” says Nike Principal Researcher Dr. Elysia Davis. “Our Nike Sport Research Lab found that athletes consume less oxygen wearing the G.T. Hustle 3 compared to the G.T. Hustle 2.” These validated savings benefit all players, whether professional or playing pick-up.

Key to these results is a new Nike Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, designed specifically for basketball. This unit, combined with a sewn-in Nike Air Zoom strobel, creates a double-stacked layer of Air underfoot for enhanced energy storage and return. The Air Zoom in the forefoot, paired with a soft and resilient heel and a higher offset, promotes a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The upper features Nike Radial Knit, a new soft, lightweight, breathable knit that provides zonal containment and support without adding weight.

The G.T. Hustle 3’s development was women-led from the start. “Innovating for women doesn’t mean creating a separate shoe in a different color,” says Davis. “It’s about listening to women’s perspectives and tuning into their feedback. This enables us to create the best basketball shoe, period.”

Bringing the Air Advantage to the Pitch

To meet the needs of its global football athletes, Nike adapted its Air innovation from the court to the pitch. The challenge was to create cushioning that allowed athletes to stay close to the turf while still providing energy return for quick movements. The solution: a 4mm Air Zoom Strobel. In 2022, the Mercurial franchise reintroduced Air Zoom to football with a football-specific Air unit, yielding overwhelming results. Athletes appreciated the energy return from the pitch, leading to successful adoption.

For Paris this summer, Nike aimed to enhance its fastest boot for athletes. The 2024 Air Zoom Mercurial offers 10% more energy return than its predecessor. By removing flex grooves and adding tuned flex zones to the Air Zoom Strobel unit, Nike optimized rebound and increased athlete engagement with the Air Zoom. The 2024 Mercurial’s plate and stud design further enhances engagement with the Air unit, while the chevron and blade stud pattern allows efficient movement and quick cuts on the pitch.

Footballers emphasize the importance of their boot feeling like a natural extension of their foot. Nike reduced the upper from five layers to three, making the boot softer and lighter, improving fit and comfort. The engineered lining ensures lockdown where needed, while AtomKnit, a durable, lightweight yarn, helps reduce weight.

The Future of Air for Athletes

Nike is leveraging AI and advanced digital tools to co-create bespoke, one-of-a-kind products with its athletes through A.I.R. — Athlete Imagined Revolution. A.I.R. is a collaboration with 13 visionary athletes, using AI, algorithmic tools, and Nike’s scientific expertise to amplify athlete potential.

“A.I.R. is driven by hyper-personalization, boundless collaboration, and unparalleled creativity,” says John Hoke, Nike’s Chief Innovation Officer. “We’re unlocking new heights of innovation by harnessing data, design, and dreams, introducing a new era of sport where innovation knows no bounds.”

The Nike Maxfly 2 and Nike Victory 2 are available now in limited quantities on nike.com. The Nike G.T. Hustle 3 and Nike 2024 Air Zoom Mercurial will be available at nike.com and select retailers in July.

[runiround]

全速前進再進化 專為菁英跑者打造的頂級鞋款

2019年9月，馬拉松競賽運動迎來值得寫入歷史的巨變 —— Nike運動員Eliud Kipchoge打破紀錄，成為史上首位跑進2小時的馬拉松運動員，讓全世界為之振奮，也證明了人的潛能是無限的。一雙革命性的創新跑鞋：Nike Alphafly NEXT%原型，幫��他跑入史冊，改變了馬拉松運動，一款全新的鞋履也就此誕生。

◎ 加入慢跑俱樂部粉絲專頁，設定「最愛」掌握最新運動訓練知識

由Air Zoom氣墊、ZoomX泡棉和Flyplate碳纖維板構成的系統，一直是Nike的最大優勢，這正是Nike Alphafly鞋款的驅動力所在。全新Nike Alphafly 3跑鞋以馬拉松級別的非凡速度超越你的想像，代表 Nike在為跑者不懈創新的征途上掀開了嶄新篇章。這是 Nike有史以來最輕盈、內部測試紀錄上檢測次數最多的跑鞋，經過菁英馬拉松運動員的測試驗證後證實，鞋款能有效提升運動員在賽事的運動表現、並達成其設計初衷—幫助跑者取得更佳的成績。

自誕生以來，Nike Air一直是Nike創新文化的代名詞。Nike Alphafly 3的早期版本於2023年春季在官方國際田聯開發期間首次亮相，由一些世界頂級馬拉松運動員提前實際穿著測試。Eliud Kipchoge在柏林第五次奪冠。Sifan Hissan在倫敦贏得了她的首場馬拉松比賽，並以歷史第二快的成績在芝加哥奪冠。同樣在芝加哥，Kelvin Kiptum以2小時00分35秒的成績創造了新的男子馬拉松世界紀錄。

Nike Alphafly 3 首款配色是品牌指標性的“Prototype”配色，向 Nike與運動員進行測試的開發過程致敬。全白色的輪廓上點綴著突出前掌的雙重Air Zoom氣墊，中底外側印有運動員穿著測試的編號 (男款為20820-4，女款為21200-23)，鞋領內側的“V62”代表鞋面設計的反覆運算次數。

更出色的跑步體驗設計 Nike Alphafly 3承襲馬拉松運動員所青睞的ZoomX泡棉的中底，保證長途奔跑過程中持續輕盈的緩震效果。並首次透過一體成形鞋底連接後跟和前足，為各種不同的觸地方式與不同的配速提供同樣順暢穩定的跑步體驗。同時以全新輕盈Fast Shot外底保證出色牽引力和抓地力。

能量回饋和推進力 前足的雙重 Nike Air Zoom氣墊有效吸收道路衝擊，達成靈敏反應的緩震效果，並將能量回饋給跑者，為他們的下一步做好準備。搭配更寬的全長Flyplate碳纖維板提供穩定推進力。

舒適並容易掌控 透過 Nike跑鞋史上最大範圍的女子測試而獲得的回饋，最終為馬拉松運動員提升了Nike Alphafly的舒適度。全新鞋楦用於提升足弓舒適度和減少全掌摩擦。新款鞋墊為低足弓設計提供有力支撐。全新Atomknit 3.0鞋面憑藉輕盈透氣的設計提供更強的控制力、透氣性和中足支撐力。Lofted Flyknit後跟襯墊為足跟和跟腱部位提供緩衝。經過重新設計的鞋帶系統融合了Flyknit鞋面的鞋眼設計，讓腳背負荷減輕，觸感柔軟。

Nike鞋類團隊開始著手改善Nike Alphafly鞋款的動力，既滿足菁英馬拉松運動員的需求，又照顧到普通跑者，同時保留跑者對於此鞋款最青睞的設計。他們的重點是：最大程度提升穩定性、舒適度和推進力，幫助跑者輕鬆跑完42.195公里。

[iconicfitnessae]

Choosing Your Running Shoes: Are Super Shoes the Perfect Solemate?

“Super shoes” have become a big topic in the running community in recent years, with both professional athletes and casual runners praising their capacity to improve performance. This subject gained more attention when Eliud Kipchoge broke the sub-2-hour barrier in Vienna in October 2019 by running a time of 1:59:40 for the full marathon distance. His performance made headlines throughout the world. Also Since the introduction of carbon fiber plate shoes in 2016, every woman’s and man’s world record from 5 km to the marathon distance has been broken, and on top of that, the recently modified rules governing competition shoes for elite athletes, announced by World Athletics, that include sole thickness that must not exceed 40 mm and must not contain more than one rigid embedded plate, seem to set a new standard for performance.

What exactly are “super shoes?”

Super shoes are running shoes with a variety of design features meant to enhance running performance:

1. The large layer of foam in the shoe’s midsole is the most noticeable of these design features. This foam is made to offer a high level of energy return and cushioning, which can aid to lessen fatigue and increase running efficiency.

2. The midsole has a carbon fiber plate incorporated into it. The carbon fiber plate is intended to provide the shoe with more support and stiffness, which can increase running efficiency and lessen energy loss from foot flexing.

3. Athletes get a “kick back” that propels them forward when running on lighter, more responsive midsole material.

Several athletic shoe companies have developed their own versions of “super shoes” with advanced technologies to help runners improve their performance. Some of the most popular brands that make super shoes include:

Nike: The Nike Vaporfly and Nike Alphafly are two of the most well-known super shoes on the market.

Adidas: Adidas has developed its own line of high-tech running shoes, including the Adizero Adios Pro and the Adizero Pro.

Hoka One One: Hoka One One’s Carbon X and Carbon X2 models feature carbon fiber plates and high-energy foam for improved performance.

New Balance: The New Balance FuelCell TC and FuelCell RC Elite shoes incorporate carbon fiber plates and nitrogen-infused foam for enhanced energy return.

Saucony’s Endorphin Pro and Endorphin Speed shoes are designed with a carbon fiber plate and newly enhanced foam for increased energy return and speed.

How do these design features translate into improved running performance?

Let’s take a closer look:

A) Reduced energy loss

One of the key benefits of super shoes is their ability to reduce energy loss during running. When we run, our foot strikes the ground and compresses the cushioning materials in our shoes. This compression causes energy to be lost as heat, which means that we have to expend more energy to maintain our speed.

Super shoes help to reduce this energy loss by providing a high level of cushioning and energy return in the midsole. The new and enhanced foam used in many super shoes is particularly effective at returning energy, which means that less energy is lost during each foot strike. Additionally, the carbon fiber plate in the midsole helps to stiffen the shoe and reduce energy loss through foot flexion.

B) Improved running economy

Another benefit of super shoes is their ability to improve running economy. Running economy refers to the amount of energy that we need to expend to maintain a certain speed. The better our running economy, the less energy we need to expend to run at a given pace.

Super shoes can help to improve running economy in a number of ways. Firstly, the cushioning and energy return provided by the foam can help to reduce the amount of energy that we need to expend to maintain our pace. Additionally, the carbon fiber plate in the midsole can help to improve running efficiency by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through foot flexion.

C) Reduced muscle fatigue

Finally, super shoes can also help to reduce muscle fatigue during running. When we run, our muscles experience a high level of stress and fatigue due to the impact forces generated by each foot strike.

Super shoes help to reduce this muscle fatigue by providing a high level of cushioning in the midsole. This cushioning helps to absorb some of the impact forces generated by each foot strike, which means that our muscles don’t have to work as hard to maintain our pace.

So, do super shoes really work?

The evidence suggests that they do. Numerous studies have shown that runners wearing super shoes are able to run faster and more efficiently than those wearing traditional running shoes. For example, a study published in the journal found that runners wearing super shoes were able to improve their running economy by up to 4% compared to those wearing traditional shoes. One very interesting study compared the top 7 most well-known supershoe brands and versions together to see if there was a resounding winner. In this study by Joubert, Dustin P.; Jones, Garrett P. on “A comparison of running economy across seven highly cushioned racing shoes with carbon-fiber plates,” it was found that all super shoes performed between 1 and 4 percent better than normal running shoes. Nike’s top-performing shoes took first place, followed by Saucony’s super shoe versions.

However, it’s important to note that super shoes are not a magic bullet for everyone. While they can help to improve running performance, they are not a substitute for good training and proper running form. In fact the athletes that will benefit from these shoes already have a very decent running form and training regimen as the study also explains that the 4% improvement in running economy and performance only occurs if you can maintain a pace of 4 min and 58 seconds per km over a long distance. Running at just under 5 min / km is not a crazy pace at all and completely realistic to maintain for any runner who engages in running on a regular basis.

Additionally, the cost of super shoes can be prohibitive for many runners, so it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the cost when considering whether to invest in a pair. The cost of the 7 most well known versions range anything between $274-$450 or 1000 to 1600 UAE Dirham where you can pay about a fifth of that price for any decent running shoe.

In conclusion, super shoes are a valuable tool for highly trained runners looking to boost personal records and improve on their times with each and every season, rather than recreational runners who imagine they are better runners who just run for fun or health reasons at an easy and relaxed running pace.

Are you planning your 1st marathon or triathlon race?  Running is much more than just cardio capability. Be sure to book your very own body and performance Transformation meetup session with Coach Hannes for a comprehensive strength, mechanical and movement assessment to determine your weaknesses and what areas you’ll have to best work on to get ready for the race injury free.

[somosmajos]

Revisa nuestra nueva publicación en http://www.majos.cl/look/nike-lanza-las-nuevas-air-zoom-tempo-next/

Nike lanza las nuevas Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%

El nuevo calzado de Nike buscará reducir las brechas existentes entre las prácticas y el día de la carrera. Destacan en su diseño, las cápsulas Zoom Air y la combinación de la espuma Zoom X con espuma React, que brindan un retorno eficiente de energía.

Con el objetivo de ser el complemento de entrenamiento diario de Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, la zapatilla de maratón más rápida de Nike, la marca creó Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%, calzado que preparará al corredor para la velocidad, ayudando a economizar tiempos y reduciendo las brechas existentes entre las prácticas y las competencias.

Nike comenzó a trabajar en Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% hace 3 años, así como en la creación de prototipos formales hace aproximadamente 2 años y medio. La idea era llevar la sensación de la tecnología a la mayor cantidad de corredores posible y, de paso, transformar esta silueta en una compañera de entrenamiento ideal para los maratonistas.

Los jueves normalmente entreno 40 kilómetros corriendo cuesta arriba y abajo, lo que destruye los músculos, por lo que necesito el mejor calzado que pueda protegerme del impacto con el suelo para que me beneficie realmente en esas carreras. Cuando estás cansado, no puedes entrenar el tiempo necesario. Con el calzado Tempo NEXT% puedes entrenar duro, comentó Eliud Kipchoge, maratonista dueño del récord mundial de Maratón con 2 horas, 1 minuto y 39 segundos.

La sensación que da Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% al corredor es de un andar firme, pero con una mayor propulsión. Además, al ser un calzado pensado para uso diario, tiene que soportar un mayor kilometraje, por lo que su diseño fue evaluado rigurosamente, incluyendo las mismas innovaciones que Alphafly NEXT%, pero enfocadas para entrenar.

Tempo NEXT% cuenta con cápsulas Zoom Air, que entregan un sistema eficiente que devuelve la energía a la que se somete el zapato. La cantidad de aire se ajusta específicamente al tamaño del calzado y del corredor. Esto requirió de una innovación de la marca mediante un software, para determinar cuál era la cantidad correcta de amortiguación, retorno de energía y propulsión debajo del pie. Se analizó una amplia gama de diferentes tamaños de cápsulas de aire y diversos volúmenes y alturas, y se descubrió que usando la masa corporal promedio de una persona que usaba una determinada talla de zapatilla se podía afinar específicamente por volumen.

Para entregar una durabilidad eficiente, Nike Tempo NEXT% contiene espuma Zoom X en el antepié y espuma React en el talón, lo que permite un doble golpe de retorno de energía y eficacia. Además, cuenta con una placa hecha con un material más suave, más flexible, de largo completo en la entresuela, que estabiliza las almohadillas Zoom Air, brindando una sensación de propulsión en cada zancada, al mismo tiempo que permite al pie desarrollar fuerza durante el entrenamiento.

Otra característica que destaca en Tempo NEXT% es su suela de goma, la cual es más duradera y con mayor cobertura inferior, para que así la zapatilla dure más tiempo, debido al largo kilometraje que acumularán al ser consideradas calzado de entrenamiento. Nike busca que esta nueva silueta dure y acompañe al corredor el mayor tiempo posible.

Principales características de Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%

Placa compuesta: mientras que Vaporfly y Alphafly cuentan con una placa de fibra de carbono de longitud completa, la placa compuesta de Tempo es menos rígida para el uso diario. Esta es la primera vez que se agrega una placa a una de las zapatillas de entrenamiento para correr de Nike, lo que brinda estabilidad y transición a lo largo de la zancada de un corredor. La placa más blanda también proporciona más comodidad durante un mayor kilometraje.

Nike ZoomX Foam: intercalando la placa de la entresuela, la espuma más sensible de Nike se utiliza en el antepié y el mediopié para maximizar el retorno de energía. Cápsulas Nike Air Zoom: las cápsulas se colocan en el antepié del Tempo NEXT% para ofrecer una amortiguación sensible y una mayor propulsión.

Nike React Foam: dado el kilometraje adicional que un corredor pone en sus zapatos de entrenamiento, el Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% cuenta con Nike React Foam en el talón, zona donde se necesita más protección contra impactos y durabilidad. Durabilidad de la suela: el Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% cuenta con más goma en la suela para mayor durabilidad durante los kilómetros. Se trata de uno de los diseños de suelas con mayor uso de datos de Nike Running hasta la fecha. El equipo aprovechó el diseño generativo para agregar la mayor durabilidad posible y minimizar cualquier peso adicional.

Nike Flyknit: la construcción superior es Nike Flyknit, con una banda de ajuste incorporada para ofrecer contención y soporte adicionales. Aprovechando los aprendizajes del Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, el Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% cuenta con una almohadilla de talón similar para mayor comodidad.

En Chile, Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% estará disponible a partir del 8 de octubre y la podrás encontrar en Santiago en tiendas Nike Parque Arauco, Alto Las Condes, Mall Plaza Vespucio, Mall Sport, Costanera Center y en regiones en el Mall Marina Arauco, Mall Plaza Antofagasta y Mall Plaza El Trébol. Tendrá un precio de $167.990.

[indn241sustainablemediums]

Nike’s AlphaFly Questionaire

Nike’s AlphaFly

-Who designed it?

A Nike Design Team - When was it designed?

2019 - What did the designer want to express/deliver?

Technological innovation in the running and endurance industry

- Was it the designer’s answer or resolution to a problem or issue?

Create a shoe that is lightweight and increases the power of propulsion forward when running

- How long did it take to complete the design since its inception?

Two years 2017 - 2019

- What is the material(s) it is made of/from?

ZoomX foam (possible a variant of the Eva foam), carbon-fiber, polyester, rubber

- How was it manufactured/crafted?

Maufactured using several practices. The polyester upper is steamed and stretched around a mould. The foam sole is most likely made using injection moulding.

- Were there any design/technical challenges? How did the designer overcome them?

Yes, after Eliud Kipchoge under 2 hour marathon the track and fields governing body restricted shoes to having 1 one carbon-fibre plate. The AlphaFly had 3, Nike had to adjust the design without overly hindering its amazing performance, which it was able to successfully do.

- How many units have been produced?

Unknown, hasn’t been released to the public only Nike athletes and other  2020 Olympians.

- Was the material(s) and/or manufacturing/crafting process better than its predecessors or competition? If so, how and why?

The materials are better as they are both extremely light, breathable and comfortable which is hard not only to find balance but to have all tick all those boxes. The manufacturing is most likely more innovative as there is nothing on the market or expected to come that could be competitive with the AlphaFly.

- Was there any consideration of its potential impact on the environment, people or society put into practice ahead of its time?

Yes, a lot of the polyester and rubber in Nike shoes are recycled materials, some presumably the AlphaFly is no different.

- Who was its target audience? What kind of responses did it meet with?

The target audience was originally long-distance runners. The reaction to the AlphaFly was very mixed many people were amazed with the under 2 hour marathon that Eliud Kipchoge put on with the shoes and making many fans and possible purchasers of the AlphaFly. But others believe that it is a technological performance enhancer and gives the people using the AlphaFly an unfair advantage over the people not using it. So much so that the original prototype Eluid used is now banned from marathon running.

- Can you describe its typical use or experience?

The users put on the shoes and starts running. The shoe sole is bouncy and provides further propulsion forwards.

- What are the most impressive qualities or features of the design (in your opinion)?

The most impressive qualities of the shoe are how extremely lightweight they are and the amount of power the propulsion makes for the runner is amazing as well as how streamline the designs were able to make it.

- Did you find any less known but remarkably enticing features?

The designer’s choice to add extra foam gives the user impact protection and cushioning, protecting the feet from soreness at the end of long runs.

- Any other intriguing facts?

The Track and Field Governing body added to rules because of the prototype shoe. No more than one carbon plate and the sole can’t be any thicker than 40mm.

- Do you think it is technically, aesthetically or culturally important or meaningful?

Yes to all above, Technically as it is helping athletes break PB’s and other records due to its performance enhancement. Aesthetically as it has a very futuristic look to it, and personally looks great as a running shoe. It is also culturally important as it is able to effect how people feel some are amazed by its performance while others see it as a way of cheating and hindering others to achieve.

- In conclusion, why do you think it deserves to be an exemplar of good design?

I believe the AlphaFly is a good design as it can noticeable improve a runner performance while staying within the guidelines set by officials. The combination of materials making it lightweight and breathable while also ticking the boxes of comfortable and durable. The design is true innovative.

- How would you improve it if you redesign it?

I would source materials of similar properties but made sure they were made, sourced and/or recyclable before the shoe is manufactured and after the products life making it full sustainable.

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[kicksaddictny]

Nike Alphafly 3

In September 2019, the sport of marathon racing changed forever. Nike athlete Eliud Kipchoge broke the previously elusive 2-hour marathon barrier, inspiring the world and proving that no human potential is limited. A revolutionary footwear innovation, a prototype of the Nike Alphafly NEXT%, helped Eliud run into the history books — and a new footwear category was born.

Five years later, Nike athletes and the Nike Alphafly are still the ones to beat.

Marking the next chapter of Nike’s relentless focus on innovating for all runners, the new Nike Alphafly 3 delivers marathon speed to push beyond what you thought possible. It’s the lightest and most tested Alphafly ever, validated by elite marathoners and powered by Nike Air Zoom to help all athletes break barriers in the marathon no matter their pace.

Nike Air, since its inception, has been a critical to Nike's culture of innovation. We continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with Air in meaningful ways that are tailored to specific sport and athlete needs.

An early version of what would become the Nike Alphafly 3 debuted in the spring of 2023 on the feet of some of the world’s best marathoners during the shoe’s official World Athletics development window. In Chicago, Kelvin Kiptum set the new marathon world record with a time of 2:00:35. Sifan Hissan won her debut in London, then ran the second-fastest women’s marathon of all time, also in Chicago. And Eliud triumphed in the Berlin Marathon for a record-setting fifth time.

The Nike footwear team set out to refine the engine of the Alphafly and meet the needs of both elite and everyday marathoners while keeping the things runners loved most about the shoe. Their focus: maximize the stability, comfort and propulsive ride you need to cover 26.2 miles in a lightweight design.

Key updates include:

Improved Transition

The Nike Alphafly 3 features the same high-stack ZoomX foam midsole marathoners love for lightweight cushioning mile after mile.

For the first time, the Alphafly 3 connects the heel and forefoot with one continuous bottom, offering varying foot-strike patterns a smoother heel-to-toe transition regardless of the runner’s pace.

A new lightweight Fast Shot outsole ensures optimal traction and grip.

Energy Return and Propulsion

Dual Nike Air Zoom units in the forefoot cushion impact with the road and return energy to the runner, launching you into your next step.

A wider full-length carbon fiber Flyplate delivers a propulsive, stable ride.

Comfort and Containment

Insights and feedback from the largest-ever women’s testing pool for a Nike racing shoe helped improve the comfort of the Alphafly for all marathoners.

An all-new last was used to improve arch comfort and reduce rubbing throughout the foot, while a new molded sock liner was created to support the new lower-profile arch.

A new Atomknit 3.0 upper offers improved containment, breathability and midfoot support in a lightweight, breathable design.

Lofted Flyknit heel podsoffer padding in the heel and lower Achilles.

A redesigned lacing systemcreates a softer fit on the top of the foot by integrating the eye stays in the Atomknit upper.

The Nike Alphafly 3 debuts in the brand’s iconic “Prototype” colorway, a nod to Nike’s development process of testing with athletes. The all-white silhouette features pops of color highlighting the dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot, an athlete wear-test number (20820-4) on the lateral midsole, and “V62” on the Atomknit upper signifying the number of upper iterations.

The “Prototype” colorway of the Nike Alphafly 3 is available beginning January 4, 2024, at nike.com, on the Nike app and at select running specialty stores. More colorways will follow.

[runiround]

Eliud Kipchoge以團結精神不斷挑戰紀錄的跑者能量

2003年，Eliud Kipchoge在巴黎奪得5000公尺世錦賽冠軍。這是他第一次以Nike運動員的身份在世界級田徑賽場亮相，也是他與Nike攜手走過二十年傳奇馬拉松職業生涯的起點。

在這二十年裡，Eliud Kipchoge不斷刷新紀錄。贏得了11個世界馬拉松大滿貫冠軍，4個奧運獎牌，2017年Breaking2挑戰計畫，到2023柏林馬拉松賽上實現五冠榮耀，兩次刷新自己的馬拉松世界紀錄，是馬拉松史上最具影響力的跑者之一。

為致敬Eliud Kipchoge的卓越成就以及他和Nike二十年的合作，Nike製作了一��Eliud Kipchoge的雕像擺放在Nike全球總部園區內，在Nike歐洲總部園區改造了一座田徑訓練空間並以Eliud Kipchoge名字命名，激勵所有跑步愛好者。

今年夏季，Nike攜手Eliud Kipchoge推出全新EK Umoja Collection系列產品，包含五款跑鞋，分別是Nike Alphafly 2、Nike Vaporfly 3、Nike Zoom Fly 5、Nike Pegasus 40、Nike Victory田徑釘鞋，以及服飾單品Nike Windrunner外套、Nike Rise 365短袖T恤、Nike Stride跑步短褲以及Nike Dri-FIT 上衣。

Eliud Kipchoge解釋道：「“Umoja”在我的母語史瓦希里語中意為團結，這個系列也代表著跑者大家庭和社群的團結合作。」

此系列以Eliud Kipchoge傳奇馬拉松職業生涯開端 —— 2003年他在巴黎於5000公尺比賽中贏得的第一個世界冠軍為靈感，設計中的紅色象徵著Eliud Kipchoge引以為傲的肯亞傳統，並且致敬了他在贏得第一枚金牌時穿著的Nike Kenya套裝服飾的配色和圖案。跑鞋的鞋墊以及部分服飾單品上，有Eliud Kipchoge在當年的奪冠成績：12:52.79。跑鞋內側中底以及部分服飾單品上，還印有Eliud Kipchoge的手寫個人座右銘"No Human is Limited" 。

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